A Duo of Lexi's

I'm back today with the other two Named Patterns Lexi tops I mentioned in my last post.  I loved this pattern from the first time I saw it, but I never thought it would be so versatile.  I've now made two dresses and three tops from it, and certainly the tops all look completely different.

The first top I made was this one.

 

The fabric is some random polyester blend I got on Ebay last year.  I actually bought it with the intention of making a Lexi dress but decided the print might be too overpowering for a dress, so it became a top instead.  I have enough left for a skirt, which I'll definitely make, but almost certainly won't wear with the top.

I started off by making the top exactly as per the instructions, using the wide sleeves even though I was slightly scared they might be TOO wide.  However, I loved them straight away.


What I didn't love however, was the length.  Goodness it was short!  The length might have been OK for someone young and slim with a toned stomach, but definitely not for me.  No one wants to see my stomach exposed.  Luckily I have quite a bit of plain black fabric in my stash at the moment, so I found some of a similar weight to the main fabric and cut myself a hem band which added about 2 and a half inches to the length of the top.  It's still quite short, but it's respectable and with the wider cut I think it would be too shapeless any longer.


I debated adding matching bands to the sleeve hems but I'm glad I didn't.  I love the way the sleeves are exactly the same length as the main part of the body. 

I've only worn this once so far - it's not really warm enough here for a top with elbow length sleeves, and I also need to make a plain black skirt to wear it with. 

My second Lexi top was something completely different, and far more casual. 


The fabric is more of the lovely soft plush backed jersey from Fabric HQ, this time with a star print.  I wanted some to make a cosy top as soon as I saw it.  The dangers of teaching classes at Fabric HQ is that I see new fabric I want every time I go in there!  Luckily for me they'll pay me in fabric if I want.

Again I added a hem band, about 3 inches deep on this one.  This band is actually doubled, which makes it a bit thick, but I still love it.  I added matching bands to the sleeves, ensuring the sleeves were nice and long. I think I've finally got the knack of making sleeves long enough.  I then added a folded neckband, which for once went on perfectly first time.  I read somewhere recently that you need a band that is two thirds the length of the neck opening circumference - I don't know if that is always correct, but it was for this. 


I should have pressed it before taking the photos - the hem band looks a bit lumpy, which it isn't in real life.

This one has been worn several times already, and it is SO cosy.   I can highly recommend this fabric, if nothing else!

7 comments

  1. Both great tops Sam. Definitely a very versatile pattern.

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    1. It's more versatile than I first imagined. I've actually got a couple of summery versions planned as well.

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  2. Every time you make a Lexi I remember that I have this pattern and ought to use it! Both very nice, but I especially love the top one - that print!!

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    1. Thanks Gail, you should definitely make this!

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  3. both tops are gorgeous but the first one is a show stopper, i love the fabric, you could always wear a black base layer underneath if you find the sleeves to short this time of year, and wear it as an 'over-blouse'

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  4. Such a great versatile pattern - and you versions all look so different! I'm sure you'll be making many more of them.

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  5. I love the "random polyester" by the way. Such a great pattern.

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